***********Trigger warning*************  written specifically for those with a strong Christian background.

I was taught methodically and purposefully to neglect myself, to serve others, and self-care was being selfish.  Lies upon lies.  Martyrs come in all shapes and sizes.  Putting a cause, others, and anything else before yourself is foolish at best and down right dangerous at worse.

https://graceformyheart.wordpress.com/2017/07/14/selfishness/

My sister shared this a while back but I forgot to save the link to her page.  Sorry Judy.

I am of the opinion that in our attempts to follow Christ imperfectly we focus exclusively on one part and not look at the whole picture.  We focus on Christ sacrifice yet forget the times He went off alone to pray and recharge.  We try to emulate His caring without building our own inner strength.  He asked for water from a well but we can’t draw water from an empty well.

Other examples to consider….Christ taught boundaries.  A soldier could demand any Jew to carry his armor for a mile.  Christ said to carry it two miles….he didn’t say 10 miles or a life time.  When He shared the story of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan took the unconscious man to an inn and went about his business.  Checked back later with the innkeeper but didn’t take the injured man home with him.  Sometimes in our desire to be a good person like Jesus we focus on only part of His counsel.  He recommends prayer, putting God first.  Then second is Love thy neighbor, AS THYSELF.  Meaning I need to love myself as much as I love others.  Some days that is a real challenge.